On June 5th, 2018 the Waterton Biosphere Reserve Carnivores and Communities Program (CACP) was recognized with a 2018 Emerald Award for outstanding achievement in the community or non-profit sector (grassroots).
The Emerald Awards recognize and celebrate environmental excellence achieved by individuals, not-for-profit associations, large and small corporations, community groups and governments from across Alberta. Since 1992, the Emerald Awards has recognized over 800 finalists and 300 recipients from over 120 Albertan communities who have demonstrated creative thinking and innovation in environmental management systems, technologies and education programs.
Addressing the three-pronged goals of attractant management, deadstock removal and human safety, CACP initiatives include electric fencing projects, grain bin replacements and feed storage retrofits, deadstock removal with free farm pick-ups, and bear safety workshops for agricultural families. In support of the CACP Emerald Award nomination, the late local rancher Charlie Russell reflected, “ I never thought that I would see the day where so many people would be learning to live with these large predators and I attribute this to the good work of this community-based initiative.”
To date, the CACP has completed over 70 cost-shared, attractant management projects with 50 families, and removed over 3,500 carcasses from 500,000 hectares of land.
WBRA Executive Director Nora Manners and Science and Stewardship Coordinator Dr. Andrea Morehouse at the 2018 Emerald Awards presentation.
We would like to congratulate all the landowners, funders and other supporters who have contributed to the CACP over the years. The 2018 Emerald Award goes out to you; it is your hard work and dedication that has made this program a success.
For more information on the CACP click here.
